Millennium Ancient County · Peach Blossom Land of Central Yunnan

Chuxiong Yao'an County — a renowned historical and cultural county in central Yunnan. A 2-day-1-night itinerary exploring the millennium-old Guanglu Ancient Town, visiting the oldest temple in central Yunnan — Longhua Temple, and strolling along Yangpai Reservoir. Experience the perfect blend of Yao'an's millennia-old history, culture, and natural scenery.

1200 Years

Ancient Town History

National Key Heritage

Military-Civil Governor's Office

Oldest Temple in Central Yunnan

Longhua Temple

Plateau Pearl

Yangpai Reservoir

Yao'an County — Guanglu Ancient Town Panorama & Longhua Temple

Millennium-old ancient town architecture complex and historic temple scenery

Yao'an County 2 Days 1 Night Ancient Town Cultural Tour

Ancient town exploration + historic temple visit + lakeside scenery, feel the charm of the cultural county of central Yunnan

                        
Duration
2 Days 1 Night

                        
Main Destinations
Guanglu Ancient Town, Longhua Temple, Yangpai Reservoir, Wenfeng Pagoda

                        
Suitable For
Culture Enthusiasts, History Explorers, Photographers, Leisure Travelers

                        
Per Capita Budget
¥350 - ¥650

Ancient Town Exploration

History & Culture

Itinerary Highlights

Explore Guanglu Ancient Town in the morning, visit Longhua Temple in the afternoon.

Attractions

Guanglu Ancient Town

A provincial-level historical and cultural town first built in the Tang Dynasty, well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architectural complex including the National Key Cultural Relic — Yao'an Military-Civil Governor's Office and Wenchang Pavilion, known as the "Living Fossil of Central Yunnan Culture".

Yao'an Military-Civil Governor's Office (Former Site)

A National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit, Yuan Dynasty architectural complex — the best-preserved Yuan Dynasty government office building in Yunnan, showcasing Yuan Dynasty military and administrative systems.

Longhua Temple

One of the oldest temples in Yunnan, first built in the Tang Dynasty, known as the "First Ancient Temple of Central Yunnan". It houses the Mahavira Hall, Sutra Depository, and preserves stone tablets and Buddhist artifacts from past dynasties.

Practical Information

Travel Tips

Wear comfortable shoes for the ancient town's stone pavement
Keep quiet inside the temple
Respect historical architecture

Accommodation Recommendations

Guanglu Ancient Town Homestay
Longhua Temple Zen Inn
Boutique Hotel in County Town

Natural Scenery Experience

Lakeside Landscape

Itinerary Highlights

Visit Yangpai Reservoir in the morning, see Wenfeng Pagoda in the afternoon.

Attractions

Yangpai Reservoir

A provincial-level water conservancy scenic area with a water area of 8.6 km² and a 15 km lakeside ecological corridor. It includes a wetland park, viewing platform, and water sports center — an important leisure resort in central Yunnan.

Yao'an Wenfeng Pagoda

A Ming Dynasty ancient pagoda — seven-story hexagonal brick pagoda, 35 meters tall, a county-level cultural relic. Climbing the pagoda offers a panoramic view of Yao'an Basin. Includes a pagoda courtyard and stele forest.

Yao'an Museum

A comprehensive local museum displaying Yao'an's history from the Neolithic Age to the present, with thematic exhibition halls for bronze wares, porcelain, and ethnic costumes.

Practical Information

Special Experiences

Lakeside cycling
Ancient pagoda climbing
Intangible cultural heritage handicraft experience

Return Trip Suggestions

Reserve time for local specialty shopping
Yao'an Rolled Intestine — a perfect souvenir
Yi ethnic embroidery handicrafts

Must-Try Foods in Yao'an County

Yao'an Rolled Intestine (Tao Chang)

A local specialty — pig small intestine rolled layer upon layer and braised. The cross-section resembles a chrysanthemum, with a soft glutinous texture. Listed in the Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage Registry.

Yao'an Air-Dried Chicken

A traditional cured delicacy — free-range chicken air-dried then steamed. The meat is firm with a unique aroma, certified as a National Geographical Indication Product.

Buckwheat Cake (Ku Qiao Ba Ba)

A traditional Yi ethnic food — buckwheat pancake served with honey or red bean paste. Slightly bitter with a sweet aftertaste, rich in nutrition, known as the "Healthy Delicacy of Central Yunnan".

Yao'an County Travel Tips

Best Seasons